UFCW Canada Local 1006A is proud to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The theme of the 2020 campaign is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” The United Nations notes that pandemic has led to a rise in domestic violence and urged action on this issue. We all have a role to play in eliminating gender-based violence and we must question, call out and speak up against acts of gender-based violence.
“All women and children deserve a world that is safe and free of threats and violence,” said President Wayne Hanley. “As a society, we need to do better. I encourage you to utilize these 16 days to raise awareness among your friends, co-workers and neighbours about this important issue. Let us raise our voices together and help eliminate violence against women and children once and for all.”
The history of the 16 Days of Activism dates back to 1991, when the initiative was started by activists at the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. Today, it is observed by the United Nations and women around the world.
On November 25, 1006A encourages all members to “orange” your social media profiles and share the hashtags: #OrangetheWorld, #GenerationEquality, #OurActionsMatter and #16Days. We also encourage you to wear purple on this day, as part of the UFCW campaign.
Click here to learn about the UFCW Canada campaign for the 16 Days of Activism.
On December 6, your union will join Canadians for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. We remember the victims of the Ecole Polytechnique massacre on December 6, 1989. On this day, 14 women were killed and 10 injured because they were women.
“Thirty-one years later, the sad reality is many women and children continue to be victims of violence and abuse,” said Glacier Effs-Samuel, Recorder for 1006A and Coordinator of the Women’s Issues Network (WIN).
The statistics are sobering. One in three women will experience abuse in her lifetime. Every six days, a woman is killed by her intimate partner in Canada.
“Our WIN activists will be taking action on this important issue, but they cannot do it alone— we need everyone’s help and support to create change and make a difference,” said Effs-Samuel.
Resources
Peel Committee Against Women Abuse Safety Planning Guide for Survivors/Victims
UFCW Canada Resource on Sexual Harrasement at Work
Final Report on the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
